June 5, 2005

Office of the Mayor City of Temple PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, on April 24, 2005, Armenians around the world commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide;

WHEREAS, during the First World War, the Turkish Empire, in an effort to exterminate all traces of Armenian population in Eastern Turkey, massacred 1.5 million people of Armenian ancestry;

WHEREAS, the survivors of this massacre have maintained their cultural identity through church, passing along from one generation to another, knowledge, history and culture of this ancient civilization;

WHEREAS, we join with the Armenian-American citizens of Central Texas in opposing such atrocities and in honoring the memory of these victims; and

WHEREAS, the heroic struggles of the Armenian people inspire and challenge us to cherish and preserve the freedom that is ours.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM A. JONES, III, Mayor of the City of Temple, Texas, do hereby proclaim June 5, 2005, as

"Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day"

in the City of Temple, Texas, and I encourage all citizens to commemorate this tragic event in world history, to honor the memories of those lost, and to strengthen our commitment to the cause of liberty and justice for all.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I witness my hand and the Seal of the City of Temple, Texas, this the 5th day of June, 2005.

(signed) William A. Jones, III, Mayor City of Temple, Texas

ATTEST: (signed) Clydette Entzminger, City Secretary City of Temple, Texas